Each year, 15 million people die from non-communicable diseases between the ages of 30 and 69. Over 85 percent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular diseases account for the most deaths, followed by cancers, respiratory diseases and diabetes. CHAI recently began work in this area with the launch of our cancer program in 2015. Cancer is a growing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where incidence is projected to increase by 85 percent in the next 15 years. CHAI is working with the American Cancer Society to lower the cost of lifesaving chemotherapies, increase access to diagnosis and treatment, and help governments develop plans to comprehensively manage the disease.

CHAI’s founding mission and ultimate goal is to help countries create high-quality, sustainable health care systems that provide universal health coverage for all people. To achieve this, we work with governments to strengthen national financing systems, including establishing national health insurance plans, that can be sustained for years to come. We also help develop systems to educate healthcare professionals at all levels and to build sufficient physical infrastructure to deliver health services.

When we talk about climate change, the dialogue is often centered around degrees of temperature increased or tons of carbon emitted. These numbers are not connected back to their impact on human lives. The World Bank estimates that 21 million people could die by 2050 from risks triggered by climate change—risks such as malnutrition, malaria, dengue, diarrhea, and heat stress. Despite this, funding for climate and health is limited and challenges remain in identifying key risks and solutions. We believe health needs to be at the center of discussions around climate change.